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Schierholtz back in lineup, keeps on hitting

4/25/13: Nate Schierholtz just gets enough of Kevin Slowey's pitch, lining a solo home run off the foul pole in right field to tie the game

By Darci Miller
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Special to MLB.com |

MIAMI -- After sitting out Friday night's game, Cubs right fielder Nate Schierholtz returned to the lineup against the Marlins on Saturday.

Schierholtz watched his team's 4-2 win from the bench because the Marlins started lefty Wade LeBlanc, and manager Dale Sveum takes those opportunities to give Schierholtz a rest. But with Miami righty Alex Sanabia on the mound Saturday, Schierholtz was back in the No. 5 spot. He doubled in and scored in the second inning.

He entered Saturday leading the team in average, batting .313 with three home runs and nine RBIs. Schierholtz enjoyed a seven-game hitting streak from April 8-18, during which he batted .400 with five doubles, five RBIs and six runs scored.

"I'm just keeping things simple, not overthinking," said Schierholtz. "Any situation, I'm going in there with a clear mind. Seeing the ball and hitting the ball."

In the series opener on Thursday, he went 2-for-4, hitting a double and a solo homer to help the Cubs to a 4-3 win. On Monday night in Cincinnati, he collected his second three-hit game of the season, going 3-for-6. Despite this, the Cubs fell, 5-4, in 13 innings.

Schierholtz was looking forward to stepping back into the batter's box and, though he does his homework, tries not to let anything get in the way.

"I'll watch video on the pitcher and formulate my own game plan, but for now, it's just keeping things simple and having fun," he said.

Darci Miller is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.